The Los Angeles Lakers are now considered a strong favorite to land free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Interest in Kuminga has been there for over a month now, but the Lakers seem to be getting closer after recent reports of sign and trade discussions. The Atlanta Hawks are fully ready to let Kuminga walk after trading for NBA Champions Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Another great sign for the Lakers is that Polymarket now lists them as having a 50% chance to get Kuminga, with only one team within close distance. Current odds to land Kuminga, per Polymarket:
Lakers: 50%
Los Angeles Clippers: 37%
Odds sites believe the two Los Angeles teams are the only teams with strong chances to land Kuminga. Minnesota also has decent odds as a secondary option. Kuminga remains the best free agent left on the roster, but teams are hesitant to pay him due to lackluster results with the Golden State Warriors and Hawks.
The Lakers would give Kuminga the chance to be their top forward and play with strong talent at other options. Most importantly, Luka Doncic could take Kuminga’s career to new heights as a pick and roll partner. Each day sees more signs growing that Kuminga will most likely join the Lakers unless the Clippers or Timberwolves shock the basketball world.
Why Lakers Make Most Sense For Jonathan Kuminga
The current team makeup of the Lakers sees a glaring weakness at the forward position. Quentin Grimes is expected to be the starting small forward, but he plays more like a shooting guard than a forward.
The power forward position is a bigger flaw with both Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt currently hoping to start. Kuminga would instantly gain the starting spot and get a chance to play the most minutes of his career.
Doncic and Austin Reaves need a pick and roll partner who can use their athleticism for strong finishes. Kuminga may have a dream situation with the Lakers since playing time and the ability to prove himself are each easier found there than on other teams.
How The Lakers Can Get Jonathan Kuminga
A sign and trade is likely needed for the Lakers to get Kuminga on the roster, unless he signs for the minimum. Atlanta is reportedly interested in pulling off the move since they don’t intend to keep Kuminga. Jaden Hardy and Vanderbilt have been the two names most rumored to get traded.
The Lakers could also try to move Dalton Knecht since they appear to be giving up on him after a disappointing sophomore season. Regardless of who it is, the Lakers will most likely trade one expendable player and potentially a second-round draft pick.
The move would be very helpful since the Lakers have been judged for having a weak offseason. Losing LeBron James and many others to implement a new roster will be a huge risk. Adding a talented player to star at power forward would spark more excitement for the season.
Los Angeles Lakers Get Great Sign For Signing Jonathan Kuminga